$50 creative writing contest

[joh1]

I need a 250 to 2000 article on why natural stone makes the best counter top surface.
here are a few places you can do some research nsraweb.com / stonecaretechniques.com / marble.com/countertops/articles.html / axastone.com this contest will be for seven days (7) The winner of this contest will also win a contract to write 2 articles per week for 6 months. good luck all.
payment by pay pal
If you send me a pm please post here first.

[joh1]

WOW, no takers

[Etherfast]

250 to 2000 words, I assume?

[onixz100]

I am sending the PM now! Be sure to check it out :).

[joh1]

yes it is 250 to 2000 words.
onixz100, I read your pm. great job.

[onixz100]

What's the end date of this contest? I hope I get a shot at winning ^_^. I've never won something before! And I love writing things, I hope I get the deal to write these things every week :O.

[joh1]

It will be over in a few days. as of now, you are the only person that wrote any thing, so you have a great shot at been pick

[thetrendmaster]

You know what, I'm feeling a little competitive right now. :D I might just take a shot at this!
Watch out onixz. ;)

So what's with the huuuge range for the word limit?! Do you have any preferences? Smart and succint or detailed and wordy?!

[onixz100]

You know what, I'm feeling a little competitive right now. :D I might just take a shot at this!
Watch out onixz. ;)

So what's with the huuuge range for the word limit?! Do you have any preferences? Smart and succint or detailed and wordy?!

='( I need to win something! Cry!

[joh1]

You know what, I'm feeling a little competitive right now. :D I might just take a shot at this!
Watch out onixz. ;)

So what's with the huuuge range for the word limit?! Do you have any preferences? Smart and succint or detailed and wordy?!
nope, no preferences at all, once they are over 250 words. I did not want to limit you guys. I want you all to feel free to flow.

[joh1]

We have 3 more days to go.
Thanks for the pms, but i would like for you all to post them.

[joh1]

come on guys the time is almost up.

[joh1]

2 more days to go

[csi]

I submitted something. Hope you like it. :)

[joh1]

I got the pm. thanks
what you sent was great for a one time post, but i do not see your style as something that i would look froward to reading each week and in our case twice a week. please remember that the real prize is a contract to write 2 articles per week for 6 months.

[Luk-3]

PM'ed you :)

[joh1]

Luk-3 i got your pm

I do not know which site is been copy and re-write, but i have 4 pm that looks the same. If you are going to take something from some one, please make look like your own. My sites are pro natural stone, we want the world to know that stone is serviceable and the nsra is the place to find a person to services the stone.

[Luk-3]

huh? i think i used one phrase from a site, but apart from that.

[joh1]

Luk-3, i did not say who pm looked like who's

[PinkMisfit]

is it to late to submit something?

[joh1]

you can, we still have a full day.

[joh1]

here are the ones that i am looking at so far. I do not see myself logging on week after week to read the written style of any of the entry's so far, but these is the best that have been sent.

(1)
Natural stone is by far the best choice for counter top surfaces, the distinctive quality that is delivers
is second to none among any other counter top materials on the market, materials such as marble, whilst being beautiful is also a long standing and durable counter top for any job. It's white shine will bring a clean and fresh glow to your counters.

Granite being one of the best for your counter top, will never stop delivering and sparkling style, and with it's competitive cost and massive resistance to damage or wear you couldn't really find a better option. All natural stone will bring you a one of a kind richness and quality into your life, and will have people staring at your counters in awe! Not forgetting of course that natural stone will deliver a rural feel, but can also bring the modern touch to counters too.

These long standing stones have been used across the ages by mighty civilizations and there's a reason why, don't hesitate to choose a natural stone for your counter tops, they bring your counters an edge on others, and really successfully bring you a stylized appearance.

Granite is second only to diamonds in hardness. Simply stated; granite is the best work surface available. Also of course is stain and scratch free, marble and granite are also both perfect for rolling out pastry due to their shiny surfaces.

So when choosing a material for your counter tops, choose the natural choice, for a richer and more practical solution.

(2)
A beautiful counter top provides the central focus for any kitchen or bathroom. There are many choices of substances and materials, each has its advantages and disadvantages – but not all of them are equal.

Concrete counter tops are heavy and installing them often involves moving a large block of concrete from the manufacturer to the homeowner’s kitchen or bathroom, which can be problematic. They are also somewhat limited in texture, color, edging, and shape. Then there are Laminate counter tops, which are mostly considered to be a poor man’s countertop and do not lend well to under-mount sink installation. This often means that sinks have to be surface mounted. Laminate does scratch and does not stand-up well to high heat, so some sort of protection needs to be placed under hot pots.

This brings us to Natural Stone. One of the main reasons that Natural stone is the best choice for counter tops if because of its natural beauty and its ability to never fade. Natural stone like marble and soapstone will be as bright and vibrant as the day it was first installed. Marble is considered the best surface for needing dough and serious bakers will always have a marble counter top in their preparation area. Natural stone gives an elegant, rich appearance that is distinct and unique, possessing a timeless quality that involves no unnatural chemicals or industrial processes. Natural stone can also be re-polished if scratched and sinks can be easily installed as under-mount or surface mount. Natural stone is the best choice for Counter tops because it has advantages over manufactured stone and other building materials.

(3)
Natural Stones and their natural beauty
Through the course of time, Natural Stone countertop surfaces have become more affordable and much more popular due to its durability to appearance.

The many types of Natural stone counter top surfaces allow for a large array of choices for consumers as each and every type of stone holds its own special texture, patterns and colors.

Stone has always been a very durable material for counter tops and with the proper preparation it can become extremely smooth and hard to damage. Natural stone counter top surfaces always shine with brilliance and bring an aura of beauty, elegance and perfection to your home.

Stone surfaces contain many beautiful patterns along with sparkling minerals which enhance the natural spectacle. Many home buyers and home owners have their attention pulled towards elegant stone counter tops as the patterns and shimmering minerals are extremely visually appealing and significantly increase home value.

Natural Stone countertops, as mentioned, are beautiful – but along with this, they do not sacrifice quality or durability. Stone countertops have always been known to be the most durable and reliable countertop materials since conception.

In history, natural stone has always been used as a cherished material. This love for Natural Stone has dated back to the Egyptian, Greek and Roman Empires, with good reason. Today, modern consumers are reaching back into the past to bring elegance into their homes through natural stones. The sheer beauty and reliability make natural stone hard to deny as the most profitable counter top surface material.

Through long term usage, non natural stone counter top surfaces have always become less attractive and soiled. However, Natural stone countertops have always come out victorious in long term usage as many kitchen tool damages are prevented whilst using a natural stone material. Harmful scratches and other various damaging operations are all parried away by the toughness and solidity of natural stone.

Time and time again, we realize that mother-nature herself has always been the greatest power, along with the most exquisite. With natural stone, you bring mother-nature into your home and satisfaction to everyone, including your toughest home design critics. Make the smarter choice today. Choose Natural Stone as your countertop surface material.

(4)
Have you thought about redecorating lately or possibly just upgrading? Well before doing so I have some insight that might help you make your decision when it comes to your counter tops. For those of you who are looking for an elegant stone for your counter tops should consider using natural stone. The different textures , variety of colors , and the stone itself poses a specialty like no other. Natural stone if preserved can add all the simple but elegance to your home. Natural stone does have many characteristics such as hardness , density and others that can make caring for the stone a bit more or a challenge. Due to the lack of knowledge of how to preserve the context and of the stone often the stone is damaged and loses its charm. But today with just a bit of research its easy to find the solutions to these issues. Everyday cleaners are normally used by most households which does not keep the clarity and beauty in the stones but may actually damage it more. There is simple tips to keeping the newness and beauty of your stone. First off always try to clean up spills right away , dust mopping is preferred , use mats throughout the house. Always use stone cleaners when cleaning the stone no matter what area of the house its in. Its important to always use products that's specifically designed for the stone. Again do a little research and choose whats best for you. Natural stone will brighten your home and can be center of conversation of guests. Bring the charm home with you and I'm sure others will admire your new look!

[joh1]

PinkMisfit thanks for your pm

[joh1]

here is a next one that just came in

(5)

Granite countertops, granite vanities, and granite tile are one of the most commonly used surfaces in home construction and home remodeling projects. Granite is also used throughout the world in commercial buildings such as hotels, malls and office buildings. Granite is extremely popular due to the magnificent clusters of color that it provides along with its durable hard surface. There are thousands of types of granites available and each one has its own unique pattern and color combination. Granite is ideal for interior and exterior use. For exterior use, acid rain does not affect granite.

Granite is especially popular for kitchen use due to the fact that it is resistant to almost all acids and it rarely scratches due to its hardness. When fabricated, granite can be cut to a honed or high polished luster and almost every type of edge design can be carved into the stone. Granite can also be fabricated with a honed, flamed or sand blasted finish.

Granite is an igneous stone that comes from volcanoes that are rich in silica. Granite is a natural surface that is simple to care for. When it is sealed and cleaned properly, you will easily preserve the natural beauty of this unique surface. Stone Sealers are easy to apply, simply wipe on 2 applications within 10 minutes of each other and wipe off the excess. Depending on the absorbency of the stone, resealing can take place from once a year up to 5 years. The finer grained grained granites are usually more absorbent and will require more frequent sealing. With today’s technology in sealing products, staining rarely occurs.

For cleaning, always use a product specifically designed to clean natural stone, not over-the-counter cleaning products. Periodically, we recommend using a stone polish on your granite countertop, which will enhance to dark colors of your stone.

[Poppins]

I see why you may want someone to write an article. Natural stone is magnificent and it's not easy to capture all of its fine qualities into words. What I don't see is why you even bothered to repost some of these articles. Particularly, (1) has zero readability or logic. (2) is like fourth grade material in it's dry simplicity. (4) looks like something that was thrown together quickly and without much concern. (5) is only about granite and seems to have just been cut and pasted from somewhere else. That's not what the contest asks for, is it? Some expantion into the qualities of all natural stone and a little flair of interest might help. No one likes to read something where every sentence starts or ends with the same words.
Article number (3) seems like the best one here so far! If these really are the top contenders, I think number three should win after some slight rewording and a little more information is added. I guess I'm a critique now :) . Good luck, everyone.
That's my 2cents.

[joh1]

Here is one more entry. this contest will be over in 12 hours from the time stamp of this post.

The best surface in the world

Probably the biggest misconception people have of natural stone is its maintenance. Truthfully, natural stone requires about the same care and maintenance as any counter top or floor, and certainly no more than natural wood products like tables and chairs.

The best care you can give your natural stone is preventative care. Preventing stains or scratching before they happen is far easier and cheaper than getting rid or repair of them after the fact.

Granite countertops are surprisingly resilient to stains, and practically impossible to scratch. But, as a preventative measure, wipe up all spills on the countertops within a reasonable amount of time. Don’t let liquid sit on countertops overnight. Granite is most prone to staining by oil and acid, so blot these spills up soon after they happen, and then clean the stone with stone soap and water.

Marble countertops and tabletops can be etch by acidic foods like fruit, tomato sauce, coffee, and wine. Blot, do not wipe, any spills up immediately, and then clean with stone soap and warm water. Place a mat or pad between marble and anything which might scratch your marble, like a pan or utensils. Use coasters between marble and any glasses, especially ones containing acidic compounds like fruit juices, wine, or coffee.

On floors, the best preventative measure is regular dust mopping. The dirt and grit gets ground into marble or granite tiles and wear away the polish finish. So the regular use of a dust mop can help keep dirt off the floor and preserve the finish. Use mats at all entry points to further ensure the long life of your floor’s beautiful finish. Wet mop regularly with warm water and a good stone soap, and change the rinse water frequently. If the floor is particularly dirty, the use of a strong stone cleaner is perfectly acceptable. If the damage is too extensive you made need the aid of a stone restoration professional.
In bathrooms, marble and granite tend to attract soap scum. Keep a squeegee handy for shower walls, and rinse vanities and natural stone sinks with hot, clean water regularly. Then towel them dry.

The use of sealers is also a powerful preventative measure. For countertops, ask the Natural stone restoration what seal would be best for your application. You may need to reapply a sealer periodically. The frequency of applications will depend on the sealer, and on the type of stone you have. Penetrating sealers are also available for flooring and bath areas. Likewise, the application of additional sealer will depend on the type of stone, the frequency of use, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If stains and scratches do occur, there are many things you can do on your own to remove them. On granite countertops, remove oil-based stains with acetone, mineral spirits poultice. Food stains like coffee, tea, or fruit juices can usually be removed with hydrogen peroxide poultice. On marble countertops, avoid harsh cleaners and acidic cleaners, including vinegar.

For stubborn soap scum in the bath, ammonia can be used sparingly. Ammonia will, over time, dull the finish on marble, so use it with caution, and only when the soap scum cannot be removed with a mild, neutral detergent and hot water.

Remember the following list of DOs and DON’Ts:

DO use preventative cleaning measures to keep your stone pristine

DO use sealers, applied and reapplied according to manufacturer’s directions

DO blot up spills quickly, especially on marble, and then wash with mild soapy water

DON’T use any kind of acidic cleaner on marble, limestone, or travertine

DON’T use harsh bathroom cleaners or grout cleaners on any natural stone

DON’T be afraid to call your stone dealer for suggestions on maintenance, care, and cleaning

DON’T worry, if you get a significant stain or scratch, that your entire natural stone investment is ruined. Virtually anything can be fixed with professional help.

[PinkMisfit]

hope you like my newest submission better than the first

[joh1]

This contest is now over, Poppins is the winner of the contest but does not wish to write on a weekly base.

[onixz100]

Good Job Poppins. I actually thought I had a chance here.

[Poppins]

Good Job Poppins. I actually thought I had a chance here.
Thank you. I actually didn't see this coming. I thought the author of #3 would take it. What's going to happen with the contract now, I wonder.

[onixz100]

Thank you. I actually didn't see this coming. I thought the author of #3 would take it. What's going to happen with the contract now, I wonder.

I don't know, maybe it could be passed onto Author of #3 if you don't want to take it. It depends on the contest holder :0. And #3 was mine ^_^

[joh1]

well poppins, here is what happen if onixz100 feels she/he can write and keep the fell of www.care-for-stone.com she can have the contract. onixz100, take a look at the site and send me a pm.

[darklight]

Can I still submit something?

[joh1]

you can, as long as it is good. i still need some one to write each week.